Anna Daniels
Whenever you see a fin cutting through the water, thoughts of JAWS inevitably come to mind. Filmmaker Gareth Edwards, directing Jurassic World Rebirth, admits that Spielberg’s iconic 1975 film significantly influenced the aquatic dinosaur scenes, featuring a Mosasaur and a group of Spinosauruses. Interestingly, it was Spielberg himself who shared the script with Edwards.
Edwards doesn’t merely acknowledge JAWS—he’s clearly inspired by Spielberg’s legacy. He humorously remarked on feeling guilty for leaning on Spielberg’s work, but the fact that he received the screenplay directly from Spielberg adds a profound depth to this connection. This moment highlights the franchise’s origins, rooted in Spielberg’s groundbreaking Jurassic Park—but Edwards aims to go beyond mere imitation.
The scenes aboard the boat are not just about the monsters; they serve to build suspense. Spielberg’s brilliance in JAWS lay in revealing less to amplify the threat. Edwards appears to draw from this technique, slowly unveiling the creatures before the action turns chaotic. Having Spielberg as an executive producer ensures that the influence on this project runs deeper than the creatures themselves.
For Edwards, developing Rebirth has been akin to giving George Lucas a tour of a Star Wars set—an unbelievable experience in an already remarkable career. The more pressing inquiry, however, is not just how Spielberg’s essence permeates the film, but where else it will emerge.
Instead of being just another sequel, Jurassic World Rebirth serves as an homage to the foundational elements of Spielberg’s blockbuster filmmaking. From JAWS to Jurassic Park, his trademark—fast pacing, relatable characters, and just the right amount of CGI—forms a template that Edwards seems to navigate expertly. He’s not just following in Spielberg’s wake; he’s taking the helm.
Will Rebirth succeed? Regardless, Spielberg’s influence remains significant. If Edwards manages to pull this off, we could witness the emergence of a new classic that understands and respects its prestigious roots.
